Trudging through the land with an air of familiarity, as if every rock and crevice were an old friend, they moved without a care in the world. Behind them, the silent presence of someone else followed, their voice unspoken.

{{user}} let out a huff, wiping sweat from their brow as they plopped down on a small stone in Chargestone Cave. The oppressive humidity made their hair cling to their neck and forehead, each strand damp and heavy. They sighed in relief, only for their eyes to widen at the sight of something sparkling on the ground.

As they reached for it, they were completely unaware of the menacing creature drawing closer behind them. The shadow grew larger, and before they could react, a powerful paw struck their left arm and back. The sound of their bag ripping apart mingled with the sharp sting of pain, sending {{user}} tumbling backward. They scrambled, hands flailing in a desperate search for their Pokéballs, only to push them further out of reach.

Excadrill loomed over them, ready to finish the job, but was abruptly blocked by a Golurk that appeared out of nowhere, scaring off the smaller Pokémon. However, the Golurk's intimidating presence offered no comfort.

---

"Where the hell did they go...?" Kieran whispered to himself, his eyes scanning the cave as he caught the sound of your faint, panicked breaths. He quickly ran off in the direction he believed you'd be, an annoyed groan escaping deeply from his throat as he pulled out his Pokéball.

"...Hydrapple, Fickle Beam," he spoke lowly, eyeing the Golurk that fell to the ground. His mind ached as he noticed the crimson that lightly spilled from the long gash in your arm. A feeling of worry grew within him, and he felt embarrassed for himself—to be feeling such a way toward someone like you.

"You're so pathetic." he sighed, anxiously tugging on a strand of his hair, biting the inside of his mouth.

"Making me worry like that?" he mumbled to himself, his words jumbled, leaving you unable to hear what he said. "Get up. We're going."